Jaguar->ke39 first pulled the sheets on its XF->ke1236 mid-size luxury sedan->ke142 in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.->ke235 Since then, the lithe four-door has collected a good deal of critical praise, not to mention more than its fair share of sales. The second generation was introduced just last year, bringing significant updates like a lightweight aluminum body and higher levels of performance. Customers loved it, and the XF contributed nearly 29 percent of Jaguar’s total global fleet volume for the first 6 months of the year. Now, Jag is looking to keep the ball rolling, and it added new diesel power paired with AWD traction in order to do so.

Overall, it’s a pretty minor update, especially when you consider the furious turnover that is the industry norm these days. Nevertheless, the addition of a diesel to the lineup could be seen as a rather bold move given the current public perception of oil burners. Will it take the XF to the next level, or will it end up falling flat?

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Jaguar XF.

2017 Jaguar XF

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Jaguar XF
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

A few years back, the XF was the first production vehicle to bear Jag’s latest design language, and the Brits left the look alone for the 2017 model year. That’s not a bad thing by any measure – the proportions are spot-on, combining sleek sportiness and a refined attitude. The lines are simple but effective. The front overhang is short, the air intakes are appropriately sized, the roofline curves gradually into the trunk, and the tail is rounded and pert. It’s understated, but it still manages to grab your attention – a nice trick, when you can pull it off.

LEDs are available for the headlights, DRLs, and taillights. Wheel sizes start at 17 inches and range up to 19 inches for top-trim levels. For a little extra flair, customers can opt for accessories like a Carbon Fiber Pack or Styling Pack, both of which add new mirror covers and side vents in either composite or gloss black, respectively.

Interior

Last year, Jag increased the XF’s wheelbase by 2 inches, bringing it to 116.5 inches overall. This effectively increased interior space, particularly in the rear, where leg and knee room got a nice boost. This generous cabin space carries over for the 2017 model year, maintaining the XF’s four-door usability. That also includes 19 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear.

Standard infotainment equipment includes an 8-inch touchscreen mounted in the central console, an 8-speaker audio system, dual climate control, and plenty of high-end materials. The seats offer decent lateral support, and come finished with twin-stitching and embossed headrests.

Options include an InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, which integrates with the drive system to offer a few extra performance-oriented goodies. This system adds a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen, and will display things like a stopwatch, g-meter, lap timer, and throttle/brake graphs – perfect if you plan on stretching the cat’s legs a little on the track.

Drivetrain

Here’s the big news – for the first time ever, the XF will offer the frugality of a four-cylinder diesel engine and the traction of AWD in a single drivetrain package. Best of all, it’s actually headed to North America.

The AWD system in question is the same one used in the outgoing supercharged V-6 XF, not to mention the F-Type. Developed entirely in-house by Jag, the system sends torque to the rear during “normal” driving conditions for enhanced “dynamics and agility,” as well as reduced parasitic loss.

A variety of technology is used to maximize traction while maintaining balanced cornering behavior (i.e., reduced understeer). The first is something called Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, a next-gen system plucked from the F-Type that selectively feeds torque to the front only when absolutely necessary, keeping that rear-biased handling feel. There’s also Adaptive Surface Response, which replaces the Rain, Ice, and Snow drive modes in favor of a single, adaptive drive mode that manages the throttle, automatic transmission, and stability control systems for increased traction, no matter the conditions.

It should also be noted that AWD adds several hundred pounds to the XF’s curb weight, which doesn’t really matter to most customers, but could come into play for dedicated performance enthusiasts.

Transmission options include a six-speed manual, and an eight-speed automatic, which vary in availability depending on engine choice:

Displacement/fuel type

Transmission

Drive type

Horsepower

2.0-liter/diesel

manual/automatic

RWD

161

2.0-liter/diesel

manual/automatic

RWD/AWD (automatic only)

178

2.0-liter/gasoline

automatic

RWD

237

3.0-liter/diesel

automatic

RWD

296

3.0-liter/gasoline

automatic

RWD/AWD

335

3.0-liter/gasoline

automatic

RWD/AWD

375


Beyond the introduction of the 178-horsepower 2.0-liter diesel, Jaguar has yet to announce which of these engines will make it stateside. However, given the 2016 XF’s offerings, it’s more than likely we’ll also get the two gas-powered 3.0-liter six-cylinders at the end of the list. As a refresher, these powerplants are supercharged and propel the XF to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds.

As for the forthcoming diesel, torque is rated at a stout 317 pound-feet at 1,750 rpm. Mated with AWD, it’ll get 58 mpg, hit 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, and reach a top speed of 138 mph. While a manual transmission will be offered, odds are U.S. customers will get stuck with only the automatic.

Chassis And Handling

For the 2017 model year, Jaguar’s Configurable Dynamics (JCD) technology will be available across the XF line, including diesels with automatic transmissions. Once reserved solely for V-6 models, JCD enables the driver to alter settings for the suspension, steering, throttle, and transmission, all via the touchscreen.

Safety

The Jaguar XF is currently unrated by both the NHTSA and IIHS, but the car did receive a highest five-star safety rating from the Euro NCAP, a score bolstered by the new high-strength construction of the second-generation vehicle. You also get the latest suite of driver assistance technologies, such as driver-drowsiness alert and forward collision warning.

Prices

Exact pricing for the U.S.-spec 2017 XF is currently unavailable, but expect to pay around $50,000 for an entry-level model. An AWD-equipped diesel model should fall around the same price point.

The updated model range will include the XF Pure, XF Prestige, XF Portfolio, XF R-Sport, and XF S.

Depending on the market, expect to see the 2017 models as early as this spring.

Competition

Audi A6

When it comes to AWD luxury sedans, Audi is a top contender. The styling is handsome, there’s tons of tech in the interior, and the quattro permanent AWD system is one of the best. Three engines are on offer, including a turbo four-banger, supercharged V-6, and a turbo six-cylinder diesel. Each is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $46,200.

Read the full review here.

BMW 5 Series

If you’re looking for something a little snappier than the Audi, BMW might be the answer. A plethora of engine options are on the table, including gasoline units with four, six, and eight cylinders, as well as a six-cylinder diesel. There’s even a hybrid, if you’re so inclined. BMW’s xDrive AWD system reigns in the stick. Pricing starts at $50,425, but be careful with the options list.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

It’s hard to fault a car like the XF, and most see it as simply one of the best alternatives in a sea of German sedans. But there’s a reason for that – it ticks all the right boxes for the segment, with a stylish exterior, quick performance, comfortable interior, and now with the new diesel engine, an economical drivetrain option, not to mention AWD practicality.

Of course, nothing is perfect, and the XF is no different. For example, the interior layout is a bit humdrum, and it’s expected the engine lineup will still be somewhat limited. We probably won’t get a manual transmission either, a real shame considering the car’s superb athleticism.

Still, these aren’t deal-breakers, and the XF delivers on its promises. Hopefully, the new diesel is a sign of things to come.